PEORIA, Ill. (Feb. 3, 2014) — Like a hospital emergency room, the American Red Cross must be prepared to provide blood for patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. It's the blood already on the shelves and readily available that can be lifesaving for people like Chris Salinas.

Chris was a horse trainer who was seriously injured in an accident when a horse pinned him to the pavement. He and his family said they credit the multiple blood transfusions he received with helping him recover.

Type O negative blood is especially needed right now. O negative is the universal blood type and can potentially be transfused to patients with any type. To make an appointment to donate blood and help ensure the shelves are stocked for patients in need, please visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Ford County
Feb. 24 from 12-6 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 401 N. Church St. in Gibson City, Ill.
Feb. 24 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, 925 North Route 47 in Gibson City, Ill. –Platelet donations only. Platelet donations are taken by appointment only.

Iroquois County
Feb. 18 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Crescent City Community Center, 699 County Road 1800 North in Crescent City, Ill. –Platelet donations only. Platelet donations are taken by appointment only.

Kankakee County
Feb. 17 from 3-6 p.m. at Moose Lodge, 730 N. Kinzie Ave. in Bradley, Ill.
Feb. 20 from 12-6 p.m. at American Red Cross Kankakee, 20 Heritage Drive in Bourbonnais, Ill.
Feb. 23 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Lions Hall, Parls Street in Essex, Ill.
Feb. 24 from 2-6 p.m. at Momence Fire Department, 15 N. Pine in Momence, Ill.
Feb. 27 from 12-6 p.m. at American Red Cross Kankakee, 20 Heritage Drive in Bourbonnais, Ill.
Feb. 28 from10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at American Red Cross Kankakee, 20 Heritage Drive in Bourbonnais, Ill. –Platelet donations only. Platelet donations are taken by appointment only.
Feb. 28 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Bishop McNamara Catholic High School, 550 W. Brookmont Blvd. in Kankakee, Ill.

Livingston County
Feb. 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at VFW Hall, 531 Lincoln Ave. in Pontiac, Ill.
Feb. 26 from 12-6 p.m. at Walton Centre, 100 W. Locust St. in Fairbury, Ill.
Feb. 26 from9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at VFW Hall, 531 Lincoln Ave. in Pontiac, Ill. –Platelet donations only. Platelet donations are taken by appointment only.

How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information.